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Interview with David Liss

Last week I read The Twelfth Enchantment by David Liss which I loved, like love-it-so-much-I-wanna-marry-it loved. Thus, I'm psyched to share my interview with the author. Read on to learn more about him and his writing, and be sure to comment for another chance to win your own copy of The Twelfth Enchantment.

What was the plot of your very first piece of fiction?

The first piece of fiction I ever remember writing was in the second grade. I don't recall the details, but it involved a crashed spaceship and carnivorous plants. The carnivorous plant phase lasted until about the 4th grade.

Do you have any writing rituals or routines?

I am a morning writer. Regardless of what time I get up, I begin to run out of steam around noon, so I like to get to work as early as I can. In the mornings I write at a local coffee shop, where they take ridiculously good care of me, even reserving my space every day. I work on my prose fiction for about four hours, eat lunch, and then get to work on the comics side of my career. I do this until it's time to start the after-school parenting shift.

Was The Twelfth Enchantment the original title of your book?

No, the original title was The Darkening Green, which is taken from a Blake poem.

As you were writing The Twelfth Enchantment, was there a particular scene or character that surprised you?

I think most characters tend to evolve in ways their writers don't entirely suspect. I don't know that it surprised me, because I knew it had to go that way, but I did really enjoy Byron's arc. He was always such an interesting character to work on since he is always a little bit good and a little bit (or a lot) bad. Writing a character like that, and keeping him human, is always tricky, and I enjoyed walking that line.

When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?

I'm a little bit of a fitness nut, and I spend an hour and a half at the gym every day. I love to cook, drink good wine, spend time with friends and family, spend time outdoors (at least when there is not a triple-digit heatwave going on) and, of course, read.

Read any good books recently?

Some recent titles I've enjoyed include The Warsaw Anagrams by Richard Zimler, Diabolical by Hank Schwaeble, Company Man by Robert Jackson Bennett, The Devil's Plaything by Matt Richtel and Witches on the Road Tonight by Sheri Holman.

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My thanks to Mr. Liss for his time. For more reviews and info about the book, check out the blog tour.

GIVEAWAY!

I'm so excited to offer a copy of The Twelfth Enchantment to one lucky reader. To enter, simply leave a comment. Open to US/CA readers, closes 9/2. For another entry, comment on my review.

Nice interview - I love learning about the non-writing lives of authors. I'm really looking forward to reading THE TWELFTH ENCHANTMENT. I already know that Liss is a terrific author, but I think this book sounds like so much fun! Thank you for the chance(s) to win a copy!

Amen to characters elvoving in unexpected ways. Sometimes I let them guide me, since they're the ones who experienced the tale. I'm just writing it down. But that's not to say I let them steer me off course. I always have them on a leash yet where they lead can often really bolster the entire story. Writing is a mutual craft, I'd say.

Please include me in the chance of a giveaway. With an endorsement like that how can one refuse?

Hi! I've always been curious about David Liss, so I was very impressed that you got him on with an interview. Wonderful questions, too, btw.I especially loved his answer about his work routine, didn't you? I've seen people writing in Borders and restaurants and wondered if they were authors...Truthfully, I've looked at this book and wished I could read it several times, but my husband has been out of work going on 4 yrs. and the economic forcast isn't looking much better. So, I don't buy books anymore. I find other ways to get them from authors and netgalley, etc. I would love to read this one. Eventually, I'll find it somewhere. So, you should give it to one who deserves it.Happy to meet you and hope you'll visit me sometime on my blog at:http://abookishlibraria dot blogspot dot comMy email is: thebookishdame at aoldot comI'm a new follower of yours on Twitter and here.

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